Pantomime dying slow, painful death

I visited the current pantomime on Sunday evening with my family. I am very concerned that the national pantomime may be dying.

I have visited every pantomime since 2000 and noticed that each passing year some of the best actors have left the show. Their absence has left a cast that is bereft of experienced talent.

The music, dance, and costumes were a national disaster. The problem with this year's show is a lack of any real plot. This year's show should have never passed a playwright discussion table. The music should not have been recorded or repeated.

The only positive thing about this year's pantomime was its impressive set. I expect LTM pantomime to take Actor Boy for Best set design. The LTM pantomime set was unique and showed that the set designer took great pride in his task.

If we, however, ignore the lacklustre production of the LTM pantomime this year, we run the risk of having next year's production being worst that this year's disaster.

We call on the entire nation, including the Ministry of Culture, to take all necessary steps to save the pantomime from dying a natural death. A national pantomime is an essential mean of celebrating our culture and advancing the nation. This year's pantomime should signal to us that the time has come to reset the LTM pantomime. I hope that next year's staging will be a breath of fresh air.